BR112015010206B1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECEIVING TIME INFORMATION FROM A CELL OR NETWORK IN A LESS ACTIVE MODE - Google Patents

Abstract

method and apparatus for receiving timing information from a cell or network in a less active mode. a method comprising: receiving timing information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first cell or first network node, when in a less active mode; and using said timing information to control when transmissions from said first cell or first network node are monitored for said reference information.

Description

[001] The present disclosure refers to methods and apparatus and, in particular, but not exclusively, to methods and apparatus for use where a cell or network node has a mode of least activity.

[002] A communication system can be seen as a resource that enables communication sessions between two or more nodes, such as fixed or mobile devices, machine-type terminals, access nodes, such as base stations, servers and so on. against. A communication system and compatible communication entities typically operate according to a given standard or specification that defines what the various entities associated with the system are authorized to do and how this is to be achieved. For example, standards, specifications, and related protocols may define how devices will communicate, how various aspects of communications will be implemented, and how devices for use in the system will be configured.

[003] A user can access the communication system through an appropriate communication device. A user's communication device is often referred to as a user equipment (UE) or terminal. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting arrangement to enable communication with other parties. Typically, a device, such as user equipment, is used to enable the reception and transmission of communications, such as speech and content data.

[004] Communications can be produced on wireless carriers. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN) such as cellular networks, satellite-based communication systems and different wireless local area networks, e.g. wireless local area networks (WLAN). wireless). In wireless systems, a communication device provides a transceiver station that can communicate with another communication device, such as, for example, an access network base station and/or other user equipment. The two directions of communications between a base station and user communication devices have conventionally been referred to as downlink and uplink. The downlink (DL) can be understood as the direction from the base station to the communication device and the uplink (UL) the direction from the communication device to the base station.

[005] Carrier Aggregation (CA) has been proposed and this allows the bandwidth associated with a UE to be expanded by simultaneously using radio resources across multiple carriers. The multiple component carriers are aggregated to form a larger overall transmission bandwidth.

[006] According to one aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving timing information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first network node or first cell, when in a less active mode; and using said timing information to control when transmissions from said first cell or first network node are monitored for said reference information.

[007] The first network node can provide a cell. The first network node may be provided by a base station.

[008] Monitoring can comprise measurement information and/or average measurements. Monitoring may comprise processing transmissions in order to obtain reference information.

[009] The timing information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information, indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available.

[010] The method may comprise receiving relative time information, indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to another cell or network node: a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell or first network node.

[011] The method may comprise receiving mode information from which it is determinable whether said first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode.

[012] This mode information may comprise information indicating when the first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode. In some embodiments, mode information may be received each time the first cell or first network node changes its mode. The mode information may indicate a start of said mode and/or the duration of said mode.

[013] The mode information can be broadcast by said first cell or by the first network node. The first cell can be an SCell and the other cell can be a PCell. Mode information can be received via dedicated signaling. Dedicated signaling may comprise radio resource control signaling or medium access control signal.

[014] The method may comprise receiving said information from another cell or network node.

[015] The method may comprise receiving said information from said first cell or first network node.

[016] The method may comprise receiving said information when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area of another cell or network node; said first cell or first network node is in a target cell list; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell.

[017] The reference information may comprise at least one of a reference signal and/or a reference channel.

[018] The reference signal and/or the reference channel comprises one or more of: a channel state information reference signal; a common reference signal; a primary sync signal; and a secondary sync signal.

[019] The least active mode may comprise a dormant mode.

[020] The first cell in said less active mode may comprise a cell smaller than the macrocell.

[021] Any of the above methods can be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided in a user equipment.

[022] According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: causing time information to be sent to a user equipment, said time information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first network node or first cell when in a less active mode.

[023] The first network node can provide a cell. The first network node may be provided by a base station.

[024] The timing information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information, indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available.

[025] The method may comprise causing relative time information to be transmitted, said relative time information indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to another cell or network node ; a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell or first network node.

[026] The method may comprise causing mode information to be transmitted, said mode information being information from which it is determined whether said first cell or first network node is in said least active mode.

[027] This mode information may comprise information indicating when the first cell or first network node is in the least active mode and/or information indicating when the first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode. In some embodiments, mode information may be provided each time the first cell or first network node changes its mode. The mode information may indicate a start of said mode and/or duration of said mode.

[028] The method may comprise causing said information to be transmitted from another cell or network node.

[029] The method may comprise causing said information to be transmitted from said first cell or first network node.

[030] The method may comprise causing said information to be transmitted when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area of another cell or network node; said first cell or first network node is in a target cell list; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell.

[031] The reference information may comprise at least one of a reference signal and/or reference channel.

[032] The reference signal and/or the reference channel comprises one or more of: a channel state information reference signal; a common reference signal; a primary sync signal; and a secondary sync signal.

[033] The least active mode may comprise a dormant mode.

[034] The first cell in said less active mode may comprise a cell smaller than the macrocell.

[035] The method can be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be provided on a network node.

[036] According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, including computer code for one or more programs, at least one memory and computer code configured with at least one processor , to make the apparatus at least: receive timing information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first network node or first cell, when in a less active mode; and using said timing information to control when transmissions from said first cell or first network node are monitored for said reference information.

[037] The first network node can provide a cell. The first network node may be provided by a base station.

[038] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to make the apparatus measure said reference information and/or average measurements. The at least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to process transmissions in order to obtain reference information.

[039] The timing information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information, indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available.

[040] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to receive relative time information, indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to the other cell or network node; a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell.

[041] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to receive mode information from which it is determinable whether said first cell or first network node is in said least active mode.

[042] This mode information may comprise information indicating when the first cell or first network node is in the least active mode and/or information indicating when the first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode. In some embodiments, mode information may be received each time the first cell or first network node changes its mode. The mode information may indicate a start of said mode and/or duration of said mode.

[043] The mode information may be broadcast from said first cell or first network node or from another cell or network node. The first cell can be an SCell and the other cell can be a PCell. Mode information can be received via dedicated signaling. Dedicated signaling may comprise radio resource control signaling or medium access control signaling.

[044] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to make the apparatus receive said information from the other cell or network node.

[045] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to receive said information from said first cell or network node.

[046] At least one memory and computer code can be configured with the at least one processor to make the apparatus receive said information when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area of another cell; said first cell or first network node is in a target cell list; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell.

[047] The reference information may comprise at least one of a reference signal and/or a reference channel.

[048] The reference signal and/or the reference channel comprises one or more of: a channel state information reference signal; a common reference signal; a primary sync signal; and a secondary sync signal.

[049] The least active mode may comprise a dormant mode.

[050] The cell in said less active mode may comprise a cell smaller than the macrocell.

[051] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for receiving timing information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first network node or first cell when in a less active mode; and means for using said timing information to control when transmissions from said first cell or first network node are monitored for said reference information.

[052] The first network node can provide a cell. The first network node may be provided by a base station.

[053] The means of use can measure information and/or average the measurements. The usage means may process the transmissions in order to obtain the reference information.

[054] The timing information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information, indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available.

[055] The apparatus may comprise receiving means for receiving relative time information, indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to another cell or network node; a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell or first network node.

[056] The apparatus may comprise receiving means for receiving mode information from which it is determinable whether said first cell or first network node is in said least active mode.

[057] This mode information may comprise information indicating when the first cell or first network node is in the least active mode and/or information indicating when the first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode. In some embodiments, mode information may be received each time the first cell or first network node changes its mode. The mode information may indicate a start of said mode and/or the duration of said mode.

[058] The mode information may be broadcast from said first cell or first network node or from another cell or network node. The first cell can be an SCell and the other cell can be a PCell. The mode information can be received by said receiving means via dedicated signaling. Dedicated signaling may comprise radio resource control signaling or medium access control signaling.

[059] The receiving means can receive said information from another cell or network node.

[060] The receiving means may receive said information from said first cell or first network node.

[061] The receiving means can receive said information when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area of another cell or network node; said first cell or first network node is in a target cell list; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell.

[062] The reference information may comprise at least one of a reference signal and/or a reference channel.

[063] The reference signal and/or the reference channel comprises one or more of: a channel state information reference signal; a common reference signal; a primary sync signal; and a secondary sync signal.

[064] The least active mode may comprise a dormant mode.

[065] The cell in said less active mode may comprise a cell smaller than the macrocell.

[066] The apparatus, as discussed above, may be provided in a user equipment.

[067] According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and computer code configured with the at least one processor , to make the apparatus at least: causing time information to be sent to a user equipment, said time information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first network node or first cell, when in a mode less active.

[068] The first network node can be a cell. The first network node may be provided by a base station.

[069] The timing information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information, indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available.

[070] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor causing the apparatus to cause relative time information to be transmitted, said relative time information indicating one or more of a relative time of the said first cell or first network node with respect to the other cell or network node; a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell.

[071] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to cause mode information to be transmitted, said mode information being information from which it is determined whether said first cell or first network node is in said least active mode.

[072] This mode information may comprise information indicating when the first cell or first network node is in the least active mode and/or information indicating when the first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode. In some embodiments, mode information may be provided each time the first cell or first network node changes its mode. The mode information may indicate a start of said mode and/or the duration of said mode.

[073] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to cause said information to be transmitted from another cell or network node.

[074] At least one memory and computer code may be configured with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to cause said information to be transmitted from said first cell or first network node.

[075] At least one memory and computer code can be configured with the at least one processor to cause the device to cause said information to be transmitted when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area from another cell or network node; said first cell or first network node is in a target cell list; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell.

[076] The reference information may comprise at least one of a reference signal and/or a reference channel.

[077] The reference signal and/or the reference channel comprises one or more of: a channel state information reference signal; a common reference signal; a primary sync signal; and a secondary sync signal.

[078] The least active mode may comprise a dormant mode.

[079] The cell in said less active mode may comprise a cell smaller than the macrocell.

[080] According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising: means for causing time information to be sent to a user equipment, said time information associated with a transmission of reference information from a first node of network or first cell, when in a less active mode.

[081] The first network node can provide a cell. The first network node may be provided by a base station.

[082] The timing information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information, indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available.

[083] The apparatus may comprise means for causing relative time information to be transmitted, said relative time information indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to another cell or network node. network; a relative time of said first cell or first network node with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell.

[084] The apparatus may comprise means for causing mode information to be transmitted, said mode information being information from which it is determinable whether said first cell or first network node is in said least active mode.

[085] This mode information may comprise information indicating when the first cell or first network node is in the least active mode and/or information indicating when the first cell or first network node is not in the least active mode. In some embodiments, mode information may be provided each time the first cell or first network node changes its mode. The mode information may indicate a start of said mode and/or the duration of said mode.

[086] The information may be transmitted from another cell or other receiving node and/or said first cell or first network node.

[087] The induction means can cause said information to be transmitted when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area of another cell or network node; said first cell or first network node is in a target cell list; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell.

[088] The reference information may comprise at least one of a reference signal and/or reference channel.

[089] The reference signal and/or the reference channel comprises one or more of: a channel state information reference signal; a common reference signal; a primary sync signal; and a secondary sync signal.

[090] The least active mode may comprise a dormant mode.

[091] The cell in said less active mode may comprise a cell smaller than the macrocell.

[092] The apparatus discussed above may be provided at a network node or cell. Different aspects may be provided with a first cell or first network node or network node and/or another cell or other network node or network node.

[093] A computer program comprising program code means adapted to carry out the method may also be provided. The computer program may be stored and/or otherwise realized via a carrier medium.

[094] It will be appreciated that any feature of any aspect may be combined with any other feature of any other aspect.

[095] Arrangements will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

[096] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices;

[097] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile communication device according to some modalities;

[098] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a control device according to some modalities;

[099] Figure 4 shows an example of subframe time for a base station having a dormant state; and

[100] Figure 5 shows a one-mode method.

[101] In the following, certain exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to a wireless or mobile communication system serving mobile communication devices. Before explaining the exemplary embodiments in detail, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to figures 1 to 3, to aid in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[102] In a wireless communication system, mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 103, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station or node or wireless transmit and/or receive point similar. In the example of Figure 1, two overlapping access systems or radio service areas of a cellular system 100 and 110 and three smaller radio service areas 115, 117 and 119 provided by base stations 106, 107, 116, 118 and 120, are shown. Each mobile communication device and station can have one or more radio channels at the same time and can send signals to and/or receive signals from more than one source. It is noted that the boundaries or edges of the radio service area are shown schematically for purposes of illustration only in figure 1. It should also be understood that the sizes and shapes of radio service areas may vary considerably from the shapes in figure 1. A base station site may provide one or more cells. A base station may also provide a plurality of sectors, for example three radio sectors, each sector providing a cell or a subarea of a cell. All sectors within a cell can be served by the same base station.

[103] The base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller device in order to enable their operation and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. In Fig. 1 , control apparatus 108 and 109 is shown for controlling respective macro level base stations 106 and 107. The control apparatus of a base station can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus typically has a memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed among a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control apparatus may be provided, additionally or alternatively, in a radio network controller.

[104] In figure 1, stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communication network 113 via a port 112. Another port function may be provided to connect to another network.

[105] The smaller stations 116, 118 and 120 can also be connected to the network 113, for example, by a separate port function and/or via the macro level station controllers. In the example, stations 116 and 118 are connected via a port 111, while station 120 is connected via controller apparatus 108. In some embodiments, smaller stations cannot be provided.

[106] A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2, showing a schematic view, partially sectioned, of a communication device 102. This communication device is often referred to as a user equipment. (EU) or terminal. A suitable mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) such as a mobile phone or what is known as a 'smart phone', computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface feature, personal data assistant (PDA) equipped with wireless communication capabilities, or any combination of these or the like. A mobile communication device can provide, for example, data communication to carry communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Thus, numerous services can be offered and provided to users via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of such services include two-way or multi-directional calls, multimedia or data communication services, or simply access to a data communication network system, such as the Internet. Users can also be provided with broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

[107] The mobile device 102 can receive signals via an air interface 207 via an apparatus suitable for receiving and can transmit signals via an apparatus suitable for transmitting radio signals. In figure 2, transceiver apparatus is schematically designated by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna array can be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[108] A wireless communication device may be equipped with a Multiple Input/Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system. MIMO provisions, as they are known. MIMO systems use multiple antennas at the transmitter and receiver along with advanced digital signal processing to improve link quality and capability. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple antennas may be provided at, for example, base stations and mobile stations, and the transceiver apparatus 206 of Figure 2 may provide a plurality of antenna ports. More data can be received and/or sent where there are more antenna elements. A station may comprise an array of multiple antennas. Signaling and silence patterns can be associated with antenna numbers or with port numbers of MIMO arrays.

[109] A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in performing software and hardware aided tasks and is designed for accomplishments including access control and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus may be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in sets of integrated circuits. This feature is denoted by reference 204. User bearer means can control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface, such as keyboard 205, voice commands, screen or touch pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone may also be provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) with other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, eg hands-free equipment.

[110] Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example, to be coupled with and/or to control a station of an access system, such as a base station. In some embodiments, the base stations comprise a separate control apparatus. In other embodiments, the control apparatus may be another network element, such as a radio network controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus, as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. Control apparatus 109 may be arranged to provide control over communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 109 comprises at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface, the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter from the base station. Control apparatus 109 may be configured to execute appropriate software code to provide control functions.

[111] The communication devices 102, 103, 105 can access the carrier medium communication system based on various access techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other examples include time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various of their schemes, such as frequency division interleaved multiple access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), and so on.

[112] An example of wireless communication systems are standardized 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) architectures. A more recent development based on 3GPP is often referred to as the long-term evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. The various stages of development of the 3GPP LTE specifications are referred to as versions. Newer developments of LTE are often referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE-A). LTE employs a mobile architecture known as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). The base stations of such systems are known as evolved or improved Node Bs (eNBs) and can provide e-UTRAN functionalities, such as Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control/Physical layer (RLC / MAC / PHY) protocol terminations. user plane and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol for the communication devices. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). .

[113] As part of 3GPP Release 12 a work item on the NCT (new carrier type) was proposed and agreed upon,

[114] Various ways have been proposed to save as much energy as possible, for example in base stations, related controllers and mobile devices. One way to save energy is to minimize transmission and/or reception times. For example, in 3GPP, New Carrier Type (NCT) has been proposed to maximize downlink (DL) eNodeB energy efficiency by scheduling transmissions in as few DL subframes as possible. That way, the rest of the subframes can be kept empty ("blank") and the eNodeB transmitter can be turned off on those subframes to save power.

[115] Some modalities refer to the use of the eNodeB (eNB) dormancy characteristic of NCT, for example, in the context of small cells. By way of example, a small cell may be a picocell, a HetNet cell, or the like.

[116] Solutions according to Version 8/9/10 of the 3GPP standard for legacy carriers allow energy savings based on slow adaptation to traffic variations by slowing down the entire cell. However, even though a cell/carrier is not carrying any traffic, signals and channels, such as one or more of PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), PHICH (Physical Hybrid ARQ (Automatic Repeat-reQuest) Indicator Channel), PCFICH ( Physical Control Format Indicator Channel), PSS/SSS (Primary Synchronization Signal/ Secondary Synchronization Signal), PCH (Paging Channel), PBCH (Physical 5 Broadcast Channel), SIB (system information block), CRS (Common Reference Signal) and CSI- RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) will be transmitted periodically to support mobility.

[117] In some situations, one or more of the common signals and channels may be present in each subframe, making it difficult to disconnect the transmitter from the eNodeB, even in the absence of any DL data traffic. Therefore, one of the main drivers for NCT, first in Version 11 and later in Version 12, has been eNB power saver.

[118] One way to achieve eNB power savings may be to introduce a dormant eNB state, where transmission of common signals and/or channels on a specific cell/carrier may be suspended for a greater number of subframes than the four subframes proposed and agreed upon during the Version 11 work item phase. However, even if user equipment is aware that certain eNBs could be in a dormant state, that user equipment may still spend an amount of time unnecessary trying to synchronize and/or perform radio resource management (RRM) measurements on cells that are in a dormant state. A disadvantage of this is that there can be unnecessary consumption of UE power and/or potentially inaccurate measurements. This may be due to the UE not knowing when and if an eNB is transmitting common signals at a given instant of time.

[119] It has been proposed to introduce a DTX cycle (Discontinuous Transmission) for transmitting common signals while the eNB is in a dormant state It has been proposed that the DTX ON period of an eNB will be aligned with the measurement intervals provided for the UEs in order to make sure that when the eNB is transmitting common signals the user equipment is synchronized on the corresponding carrier frequency. However, this can only be applicable to the case where measurement ranges are provided, such as for non-AC capable terminals. Also, while the eNB can configure the measurement intervals so that the measurement intervals coincide with the eNB's DTX ON period, the interval between two DTX ON periods can be much longer than the interval between two consecutive measurement intervals. . Therefore, the situation may arise where the UE is trying to synchronize and/or perform measurement, when the eNB is in a dormant state.

[120] Another proposal provides orthogonal discovery signals for small cells, which are transmitted synchronously with existing macrocell DL signals. Discovery signals are orthogonalized in order to improve the probability of discovery of small cells in very dense implementations. The proposal requires that all cells in a specific area transmit sync/discovery signals at the same time.

[121] [121] Some modalities can be used with carrier aggregation. For example, some modalities can be used in relation to the inter-site CA. When configured with inter-site carrier aggregation, user equipment is usually coupled to two or more non-co-located eNBs via separate frequency carriers. An eNB umbrella cell can control one PCell primary cell, while a small eNB cell can control one or more SCells secondary cells. A primary cell is a cell that can provide user equipment with security control and non-access stratum (NAS) information such as mobility support and support for session management procedures to establish and maintain protocol conductivity. connection between user equipment and a packet data network port. Other serving cells are called secondary serving cells. The PCell may be provided by a macrocell. However, in other embodiments, the PCell may be provided by any other suitable cell. The secondary cell may be provided by a small cell or any other suitable cell.

[122] Alternatively or additionally, some modalities can be used with autonomous UE mobility, where the configuration of reference signal transmissions is dependent on an activation state, eg a carrier.

[123] Some modalities can be used in a non-carrier aggregation situation. For example, some modalities can be used with small cell mobility with inter-cell interfrequency handover.

[124] Alternatively or additionally, some modalities can be used with other types of carrier aggregation. For example, some modalities can be used with het net cells, using RRH (remote radio heads) where one or more carriers (including the PCell) are transmitted from the macrocell and one or more carriers are transmitted from one or more small cells (performed using one or more RRHs (remote radio heads)).

[125] In some embodiments, when a small cell is configured as a SCell or, alternatively, as a potential target cell for UE autonomous mobility, the UE will be provided with information regarding the dormancy state of the e NB.

[126] The UE then applies this information to the behavior of the UE on the network. The information that is provided to the UE may contain one or more of the following:

[127] SFN (System Frame Number) offset (i.e. relative SFN), when eNB sleep state DTX ON period starts;

[128] DTX ON period duration of eNB dormancy state;

[129] DTX OFF period duration of eNB dormant state;

[130] eNB dormancy state DTX ON period periodicity:

[131] One or more of the CRS (Common Reference Signal)/ PSS/ SSS/ CSI-RS (Channel Status Information Reference Signal) setting during eNB Sleep State DTX ON period (if different from corresponding setting during eNB active state);

[132] relative time information with respect to PCell.

[133] It should be appreciated that this information is by way of example and in other embodiments one or more different types of information may be used in place of or in addition to one or more of the types of information listed above.

[134] Reference is now made to Figure 4, which shows an example of a modality. In this example, the SFN offset is set to 3 subframes, DTX ON duration = 2 subframes, and DTX ON periodicity = 10 subframes. These values are by way of example and, of course, may be different in different modalities and/or situations. Also, alternatively, it is possible to define the DTX ON time in terms of radio frames rather than subframes. When the DTX ON period falls within the eNodeB active period, there may not be any additional transmission of common signals beyond those that would otherwise be transmitted during the eNodeB active state. In other words, in some modalities, the transmission of “DTX ON” is omitted, when the eNodeB is in active state.

[135] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the eNB is in an active state for subframes 0 to 7. The eNB is then in a dormant state for subframes 8 to 26. The eNB is, once again, in the active state. of subframes 27 to 36 and in the dormant state of subframes 37 to 45. As the SFN offset is 3, the duration of DTX ON will be in subframe 3. As the duration of DTX ON is 2, the period of DTX ON is subframes 3 and 4. However, as the eNB is in the active state, there is no additional transmission of DTX ON.

[136] As the DTX ON periodicity is 10, the next DTX ON duration will be subframes 13 and 14. In this case, the eNB is in the dormant state and, as a consequence, one or more of the reference signals/channels and reference are transmitted in these subframes. Also, in the following DTX ON period, subframes 23 and 24, once again, the eNB is in the dormant state.

[137] For the next DTX ON period, subframes 33 and 34, the eNB is active and, consequently, the behavior is as shown for subframes 3 and 4 and so on.

[138] In some embodiments, the eNB may signal to the UE the start and end of a dormant state for a specific configured SCell/target cell. This signaling eNB can be either SCell eNB or PCell eNB. In some embodiments, the start/end of the SCell dormancy state may be transmitted from the overlay macrocell, for example, the PCell.

[139] While some modalities have been described in relation to inter-site CA, other modalities can, as mentioned previously, can be extended to other provisions.

[140] Reference is now made to Figure 5, which shows a method flow.

[141] In step S1, a message with dormancy information is prepared in an eNB. In some embodiments, this message can be prepared in the PCell or in a macrocell (which is different for the base station or cell that will have dormant periods). In some embodiments, the message may be prepared in the cell that has dormant periods. The message can have any suitable dormancy information.

[142] In one embodiment, the dormancy information may comprise the SFN offset (and subframe or radio frame offset), as well as the length and periodicity of DTX ON periods during the eNB dormant state. The dormant message may include information about the CRS/PSS/SSS/CSI-RS configuration used during the eNB dormant state DTX ON period (if different from the configuration used during the eNB active state).

[143] In step S2, this message is sent to the UE. The message, for example, can be signaled as part of the SCell configuration message (RRC radio resource control), which is transmitted to the UE when the UE enters the coverage area of a macrocell (PCell). and a number of small cells (SCells) are employed at an independent carrier frequency in the corresponding coverage area.

[144] Alternatively or additionally, this dormancy information may be provided to the UE when configuring a measurement object corresponding to a given small cell. An example of this is provided in 3GPP TS 36.331, section 5.5.1. The UE may be required to perform interfrequency measurements, intrafrequency measurements and inter RAT (Radio Access Technology) measurements. Examples of measurement objects can be a given frequency, a given frequency with a list of cell shifts and/or a set of black striped cells, a set of cells at a given frequency, a set of carrier frequencies, a set of of cells on a carrier frequency.

[145] Alternatively or additionally, dormancy information may be provided to the UE when a given small cell is added to the list of target cells configured for autonomous UE mobility. UE autonomous mobility can be where the UE is able to make mobility decisions for itself.

[146] In step S3, the user equipment uses the dormancy information to control monitoring of the dormant or potentially dormant eNB. In particular, the information included in the sleep message enables the user equipment to effectively determine which one or more subframes will be monitored when the eNB is in the sleep state. Monitored subframes will include reference signals and/or reference channels transmitted by the dormant eNB.

[147] In order to optimize the cell search and RRM measurement procedures at the terminal, a UE can be informed about the current state of each SCell/target cell, i.e. whether the cell is in a dormant or active state. . This information can be one or more of:

[148] broadcast by the cell corresponding to the UE PCell (ie, the overlay macrocell);

[149] transmitted to the UE via dedicated signaling (RRC or MAC (media access control); and

[150] broadcast by the cell corresponding to the SCell of UE (i.e. the corresponding small cell)

[151] A difference between broadcasting via the cell corresponding to the UE PCell and broadcasting via the cell corresponding to the UE SCell is a specific aspect of intersite CA. (If PCell and SCell are collocated, then there can be little difference as to whether information is broadcast via PCell or SCell). This may also apply to the case with autonomous UE mobility, but may not necessarily be an issue with conventional CA (especially if PCell and SCell are co-located).

[152] Broadcasting can take place via any of the available one-to-many signaling mechanisms. For example, any one or more of the following broadcast mechanisms can be used: PBCH, MIB (Master Information Block), SIB or via a common PDCCH (MAC (Medium Access Control) message transmitted to all UEs that are able to synchronize the corresponding cell. It should be appreciated that any other suitable diffusion mechanism may be used, alternatively or in addition.

[153] An advantage of broadcasting is reduced signaling overhead. The corresponding small cell broadcast information could take the form of “future intent” advertising, so that all connected UEs and Idle mode UEs would have this information. In other words, information about a change in the state of the eNB is transmitted before the eNB enters that state.

[154] Broadcasting via the overlay macrocell can bring additional overhead compared to broadcasting via the corresponding small cell due to the need to signal the eNB state change via X2 (the interface between the eNBs) and to include an identifier cell-specific in the broadcast message transmitted from the macrocell. However, diffusion via the overlay macrocell has an advantage in that all UEs in the macrocell coverage area are simultaneously informed of the state change of any small cell in the corresponding coverage area. Broadcast via the corresponding small cell means that the UE will only be able to know the state of small cells that are capable of synchronization. Some embodiments may thus use macrocell diffusion and some embodiments may use small cell diffusion. In some embodiments, macrocell diffusion and small cell diffusion can be used.

[155] Alternatively or additionally, dedicated signaling (RRC or MAC) is also a possibility to signal to interested UEs the change of state of a specific small cell. A dedicated signaling advantage for the interested UEs of a specific small cell. An advantage of dedicated signaling is increased reliability.

[156] In another embodiment, dormancy information (e.g., subframe and SFN shifts, length and periodicity of DTX ON periods during eNB dormancy state, and/or CRS/PSS/SSS/ configuration CSI-RS used during the eNB dormancy state DTX ON period can be broadcast from the overlapping macrocell.

[157] Modalities can be used with other versions of the LTE standard and/or with other standards.

[158] In some embodiments, a user equipment may be configured to receive timing information associated with the transmission of reference information from a first cell, as previously described. Alternatively, the least active mode may be one where reference information is transmitted less frequently than when the first cell is complete or normally operational.

[159] The first cell can be a smaller cell, as previously described. A small or smaller cell can be a Pico cell, a fetus cell, a HetNet cell or a smaller cell used in conjunction with a macrocell.

[160] This timing information can be used to control when transmissions from the first cell are monitored for reference information.

[161] In the previously described embodiments, specific examples of timing information have been provided. However, it should be appreciated that, alternatively or additionally, the time information may indicate at least one of the duration of transmission of reference information, periodicity of transmission of reference information and start information, indicating start of transmission of information. of reference.

[162] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, instead of or as well as being provided with information as to when the reference information will be transmitted, the user equipment may instead be provided with information indicating when the User equipment will not monitor the reference information.

[163] User equipment can receive information indicating the relative time of the smallest cell with respect to the other cell. The other cell may be, for example, the PCell in some embodiments.

[164] Where the start information is an offset, this will provide information to the user equipment as to the time start point in the first cell. Of course, in some embodiments, cells may be synchronized and therefore relative timing may not be required. However, for those systems where the cells are not synchronized, this can save the user equipment from having to waste time determining the timestamp of the first cell. Of course, in some embodiments, the user equipment may monitor the first cell until such a time as that of the user equipment has the timestamp information for the first cell.

[165] In one embodiment, the UE will receive relative time information. This allows the UE to determine the time in the sleep cell. This can provide information about the relative time of the dormancy cell with respect to the other, a relative time of the dormancy cell with respect to a global time reference, and/or relative time with respect to a sleep cell time.

[166] An offset is an example of a start information type. Other modalities may use any other suitable start information.

[167] Offset information or start information can be defined in terms of subframes and/or radio and/or time frames.

[168] Information can be provided as to which DTX mode is on and/or which DTX mode is off.

[169] DTX mode is an example of a least active or idle mode. Alternate modes can be used with any other less active or idle mode.

[170] Reference has been made to cells in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the teachings may alternatively be applied by a network node. The network node can be a base station or the like.

[171] In some embodiments, the user equipment may receive mode information indicating when the first cell is in the least active mode. This information may be provided directly or indirectly. For example, mode information may be provided when the state of the first cell changes to the least active mode. However, in some embodiments, the user equipment will assume that the first cell is in the least active mode, unless the user equipment receives information indicating that the first cell's usage is in the active mode. Of course, in some embodiments, the user equipment may receive information indicating when active mode begins and when active mode ends.

[172] Information as to when reference information is transmitted as to when reference information is transmitted may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, information may be provided as to when the reference information is not transmitted.

[173] Information such as time information, relative time information and/or receive mode information may be provided from the first cell and/or another cell.

[174] Receiving any one or more of the different types of information mentioned above can be caused when with intersite CA, the first cell is configured as SCell (which could happen when a user equipment enters the macrocell eNB coverage area corresponding umbrella), when the first cell is added to a list of target cells for UE autonomous mobility and/or when the user equipment is provided with the measurement objects associated with the first cell.

[175] In the above examples, the reference information comprises CRS/PSS/SSS/CSI-RS. However, it should be appreciated that this is by way of example and different embodiments may use additional or alternative reference information. The reference information may comprise a reference signal(s) and/or a reference channel(s).

[176] Reference was made to private settings. Some modalities can be applied to other configurations.

[177] Reference was made to several channels. It should be appreciated that other modalities may be used with other channels.

[178] It is noted that although modalities have been described in relation to LTE, similar principles can be applied to any other communication system or other developments with LTE. Thus, although the modalities are described with references to the uplink and the downlink, this exposition is not limited by these directions between a mobile station and a user terminal. Instead, some modalities may be applicable to any system with transmissions between two or more communication entities. For example, a communication system may be provided by means of a plurality of user equipment, for example in adhoc networks. Therefore, while certain embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain exemplary architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, the embodiments can be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems other than those described and illustrated herein.

[179] The required data processing apparatus and the functions of a base station apparatus, a communication device and any other suitable apparatus may be provided by means of one or more data processors. The functions described at each end may be provided by separate processors or by an integrated processor. Data processors may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), port-level processors and processors based on multi-core processor architecture as non-limiting examples. Data processing can be distributed across several data processing modules. A data processor may be provided by means of, for example, at least one chip. Appropriate memory capacity can also be provided on the relevant devices. The memory or memories may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, memory fixed and removable memory.

[180] In general, the various modalities can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not so limited. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that such blocks, apparatus, systems, technique or methods described herein may be implemented, as non-limiting examples, in hardware. , software, firmware, special-purpose or logic circuitry, general-purpose hardware, or controller or other computing devices, or any combination thereof. Software may be stored on these physical media such as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as, for example, DVD and its data variants, CD.

[181] The foregoing description has been provided by way of desirable and non-limiting examples of a complete and informative description of an embodiment of the present invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present invention will still be within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is another embodiment comprising a combination of one or more of any of the other previously discussed embodiments.

Claims (17)

1. Method for receiving timing information from a cell or network in a less active mode, characterized in that it comprises: receiving, by a user equipment (200), timing information associated with a transmission of reference information from a node network node of a first cell, when the first cell is in a less active mode, where timing information is received from a network node of a second cell, and where the first cell and second cell cooperate in aggregation of carrier; and using (s3) said timing information to control when transmissions from said first cell are monitored for said reference information. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said time information comprises at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available. A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises receiving relative time information, indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell with respect to the second cell; a relative time of said first cell with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises receiving mode information from which it is determinable whether said first cell node is in said least active mode. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second cell is a primary cell and the first cell is a secondary cell of carrier aggregation, and the network nodes supplying the cells are non-co-located. . Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises receiving said information when at least one of: a user equipment enters a coverage area of the second cell; said first cell is in a list of target cells; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell. 7. Method, characterized in that it comprises: causing time information to be sent (S2) from a network node of a second cell to a user equipment (200), said time information associated with a transmission of information of reference of a network node of a first cell, when the first cell is in a less active mode, where the first cell and second cell cooperate in carrier aggregation. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises causing relative time information to be transmitted, said relative time information indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell with respect to the second cell; a relative time of said first cell with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell. Method according to either of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises causing mode information to be transmitted, said mode information being information from which it is determinable whether said first cell is in said least active mode. . A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises causing said information to be transmitted when at least one of: the user equipment enters a coverage area of the second cell; said first cell is in a list of target cells; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell. 11. Apparatus for receiving timing information from a cell or network in a less active mode characterized in that it comprises at least one processor configured to at least: receive timing information associated with a transmission of reference information from a network node of a first cell, when the first cell is in a less active mode, wherein timing information is received from a network node of a second cell, and wherein the first cell and second cell cooperate in carrier aggregation; and using (s3) said timing information to control when transmissions from said first cell are monitored for said reference information. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that said time information may comprise at least one of: information indicating a duration of said transmission of reference information; information about a periodicity of said transmission of reference information; start information indicating a start of said transmission of reference information; information indicating when such reference information is not available; and information indicating when said reference information is available. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the at least one processor is further configured to receive relative time information, indicating one or more of a relative time of said first cell with respect to the second cell; a relative time of said first cell with respect to a global time reference; relative time with respect to a time of said first cell. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the at least one processor is further configured to receive mode information from which it is determinable whether said first cell is in said least active mode. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the second cell is a primary cell and the first cell is a secondary cell of carrier aggregation, and the network nodes supplying the cells are non-coordinated. located. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the at least one processor is additionally configured to receive said information when at least one of: the user equipment enters a coverage area of the second cell; said first cell is in a list of target cells; and said user equipment is being provided with a measurement object associated with said first cell. 17. Apparatus, characterized in that it comprises at least one processor configured to at least: cause timing information to be sent (S2) from a network node of a second cell to a user equipment (200), said timing information time associated with a transmission of reference information from a network node to a first cell, when the first cell is in a less active mode, where the first cell and the second cell cooperate in carrier aggregation.

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